Event structures

ABSTRACT

An event structure uses at least one storage container as a principal support component. The event structure can include a plurality of storage containers that support a functional component. In one possible embodiment, the functional component is a ramp surface. The functional component can alternatively be a seating system, a stage surface, or a climbing wall system to name a few.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The so-called extreme or action sports, such as skateboarding, snowboarding, freestyle skiing, rollerblading and freestyle BMX to name just a few, are becoming more and more popular. Events and competitions in many of these sports are frequently held in many parts of the world. These events typically require the construction of specialized event structures such as various ramps, half pipes, quarter pipes and the like on which stunts are performed. Traditionally, installation of these event structures has required the erection of scaffolding and carpentry work laying down plywood decking on the scaffolding. The traditional approach is that a ramp structure is constructed for a very specific sport application, such as a skateboard half pipe. The structure and its parts are not designed to be easily reconfigured to another application. The current construction process is labor-intensive and usually requires a large crew typically working over many days to set up. After the event is concluded, the event structure is often torn down and much of the wood material is discarded. This traditional approach thus creates significant waste, requires considerable time for both setup and take down, and is very expensive in terms of labor and material costs.

Accordingly, there is a need for an event structure system that provides an economical, reusable (green), reconfigurable approach that requires considerably less setup and take down time than the traditional approach.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above-mentioned need is met by the present invention, which provides an event structure that uses at least one storage container as a principal support component. The event structure can include a plurality of storage containers that support a functional component. In one possible embodiment, the functional component is a ramp surface. The functional component can alternatively be a seating system, a stage surface, or a climbing wall system to name a few.

The present invention and its advantages over the prior art will be more readily understood upon reading the following detailed description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is perspective view of a corner of a storage container showing a corner fitting.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a flume ramp.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the flume ramp.

FIG. 4 is an elevation view of the flume ramp.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of one embodiment of a crossbeam that can be used in an event structure.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the crossbeam taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of one embodiment of a plank that can be used in an event structure.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the plank taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a rail jam ramp.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of the rail jam ramp.

FIG. 11 is an elevation view of the rail jam ramp.

FIG. 12 is an elevation view of one embodiment of a bleacher system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to modular event structures that utilize standard storage containers as principal support components for supporting the event structure's functional component; the functional component referring to the portion of the event structure on which the intended activity occurs, such as the ramp surface of a half pipe or other type of event ramp. Storage containers (also sometimes referred to as shipping containers or cargo containers) are widely available, come in a variety of standardized sizes, are extremely stable as compared to scaffolding, are stackable, and are inexpensive to rent or purchase. Standard storage containers typically comprise a strong metal framework and panels attached to the framework by bolts, rivets and/or welding. Corner fittings are attached, in accordance with ISO (International Standards Organization) standards, to each of the eight corners of the container. As shown in FIG. 1, a typical corner fitting 10 has an aperture formed in each of its three outward facing surfaces with the apertures opening into a central cavity inside the corner fitting. Corner fittings are typically used to secure cables and other components to the shipping containers during loading and unloading of the containers, as well as to secure the containers to one another or to a transport vehicle. As used herein, the term “storage container” is intended to include any box-like structure whether or not it is used as a storage container in the traditional sense.

The event structures further include a truss system that connects the storage containers and supports a functional component. The functional component can comprise a “snap & ride” decking system that goes up at a fraction of the time needed to build traditional plywood decking. The decking system provides a ramp surface construction that can be configured for a variety of action sports by accommodating changes in height, pitch, curve of surface, and width. In other embodiments, the functional component can comprise bleachers or similar seating systems, stage surfaces, and climbing wall systems to name a few. The present invention is thus applicable to a wide range of event structures including ramps, half pipes, stadium or bleacher seating, entertainment stages, and climbing wall systems. The event structures of the present invention are also easily reconfigurable. For instance, an event structure could be initially configured to accommodate a particular event, such as a professional snowboard competition, and after the event be reconfigured into a family sledding venue.

The present invention reduces the cost of material, staff, rental equipment, and construction time and provides event producers with a cost effective, green solution for staging sports and entertainment events. The use of storage containers allows the truss and decking systems to be stowed in the containers for ease of storage and transportation to any site via truck, rail or boat. Additionally, the storage containers can be further utilized as operation rooms for media and athletes and for equipment storage that can be locked and secured.

Referring to the drawings wherein identical reference numerals denote the same elements throughout the various views, FIGS. 2-4 show one possible embodiment of a modular event structure in the form of a flume ramp 12. For sake of convenience, the high end 14 of the ramp 12 is referred to herein as the rear of the ramp, and the low end 16 is referred to herein as the front of the ramp. The flume ramp 12 comprises three storage containers: a first storage container 18 disposed on the ground at the rear of the ramp 12, a second storage container 20 stacked on top of the first storage container 18, and a third storage container 22 disposed on the ground and spaced forward of the first storage container 18 near the center of the ramp 12. The three containers are all arranged parallel to one another with their lengths extending across the width of ramp 12.

The flume ramp 12 further includes a truss system having a first crossbeam 24 mounted to the first storage container 18 along its front upper edge and a second crossbeam 26 mounted to the third storage container 22 along its rear upper edge. The crossbeams 24, 26 are preferably, although not necessarily, L-shaped members, such as an angle iron, that span the length of the respective container. Each crossbeam 24, 26 is mounted to its respective storage container via connectors 28 that are designed to releasably lock into the corner fittings of the storage containers. Such a connector generally includes a body and at least one locking arm that is received in an aperture of a corner fitting and then pivots or twists to securely connect the connector to the corner fitting. One suitable connector is the horizontal clamp connector (VI-SO), B50 type (12905BA-2PA) commercially available from TANDEMLOC, Inc. of Havelock, N.C.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, one embodiment of the first crossbeam 24 is shown in more detail. The first crossbeam 24 is an elongated, L-shaped angle bracket having a connecter 28 fixedly fastened (such as by bolts) at each end thereof. A number of mounting flanges 30 are formed on the opposite side of the first crossbeam 24. Thus, to attach the first crossbeam 24 to the first container 18, the connectors 28 are locked into a corresponding one of the two upper front corner fittings. The second crossbeam 26 can be attached to the third storage container 22 is a similar manner.

Returning to FIGS. 2-4, the truss system further includes a set of lower truss beams 32 extending longitudinally between the first and third containers 18, 22. Specifically, each lower truss beam 32 is attached at a first end to the first crossbeam 24 and at a point near the second end to the second crossbeam 26. The second ends of the lower truss beams 32 can overlap the top of the third container 22. With the first and second crossbeams 24, 26 being located at substantially the same height above the ground, the lower truss beams 32 are positioned horizontally. The lower truss beams 32 can be attached to the crossbeams 24, 26 using clevis brackets that surround the beams 24, 26 and engage the mounting flanges 30 of the crossbeams 24, 26. The lower truss beams 32 are spaced apart along the length of the containers 18, 22, and the number of beams used depends on various factors including the width of the ramp 12 and the load that needs to be supported.

A third crossbeam 34 is mounted to the third storage container 22 along its front lower edge, and a fourth crossbeam 36 is located a distance forward of the third crossbeam 34 and is disposed on the ground. The third crossbeam 34 is attached to the third storage container 22 using connectors as described above. Another set of lower truss beams 32 extend longitudinally between the third and fourth crossbeams 34, 36. These beams 32 are also positioned horizontally and are spaced apart along the length of the container 22. The lower truss beams 32 are attached at one end to the third crossbeam 34 and at the other end to the fourth crossbeam 36. This attachment can be in the same manner as described above. The lower truss beams 32 of both sets can comprise single beams or multiple beam segments joined together in an end-to-end manner by any suitable connector.

The truss system further includes a fifth crossbeam 38 mounted to the second storage container 20 along its front upper edge and a sixth crossbeam 40 mounted to the third storage container 22 along its front upper edge. A set of upper truss beams 42 extend longitudinally along the length of the ramp 12 and are spaced apart along the width of the ramp 12. As with the lower truss beams, the number of upper truss beams 42 depends on pertinent engineering factors. Like the lower truss beams 32, the upper truss beams 42 can also comprise multiple beam segments joined together end-to-end with any suitable connector means.

Each of these upper truss beams 42 is attached at a first end to the fifth crossbeam 38 and at an intermediate point to the sixth crossbeam 40. The upper truss beams 42 are also attached at a point near the second end to the lower truss beams 32 in the vicinity of the fourth crossbeam 36. By virtue of the differing heights of the fourth, fifth and sixth crossbeams, the upper truss beams 42 are inclined with respect to the ground and the lower truss beams 32, thereby defining the ramp's incline. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper truss beams 42 define an approximately 16 degree angle with the ground and lower truss beams 32. A number of truss struts 44 are provided to extend between the lower truss beams 32 and the upper truss beams 42 to provide the structural framework to the truss system. Each strut 44 is attached at a first end to one of the lower truss beams 32 and at a second end to one of the upper truss beams 42. Each pair of adjacent struts 44 is arranged in a triangular configuration.

The flume ramp 12 includes decking mounted on top of the upper truss beams 42 to define a planar ramp surface 46 that is inclined with respect to the ground. The ramp surface 46 thus slopes downward from the top of the second storage container 20 to the ground. The decking can comprise a number of planks 48 that are typically arranged side-by-side and crosswise with respect to the upper truss beams 42. The planks 48 are arranged in two rows in the illustrated embodiment, although virtually any arrangement could be used. The planks 48 are secured to the upper truss beams 42 using any suitable fastener means. In one embodiment, shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the planks 48 have a multiple I-beam construction that provides a flat upper surface 50 and an open lower surface that exposes a series of longitudinal I-beams 52. With this arrangement, the planks 48 can be attached easily and quickly to the upper truss beams 42 with clips that engage both the upper truss beam 42 and one or more of the I-beams 52. Furthermore with this construction, the planks 48 have some flexibility widthwise but are generally rigid lengthwise.

The upper surface of the second storage container 20 functions as a platform 54 at the top of the ramp surface 46. Ladders or stairs (not shown) can be provided to provide participants with access to the platform 54. Guardrails 56 can be provided along both sides of the ramp surface 46 and around the platform 54.

The present invention thus provides an event structure having many advantages over traditional event structures. The present invention provides a cost effective solution by cutting infrastructure costs including the cost of scaffolding rental, plywood material, and staff. Construction time is also reduced; set up and take down time is in hours not days, allowing access to better urban venues and reducing impact on street or park closures. The present invention also provides scalable format for multiple event uses and is a reusable system that reduces material waste. The storage containers can also be used as operations rooms for public relations, athlete, media, concessions, storage, etc. This reduces or eliminates the cost of additional tents for these purposes and is much more secure then using tents, which often require hiring security companies to watch over night.

The present invention also provides a whole new realm of branding possibilities that the current scaffolding model is unable to address. Large ramp structures tower above the landscape and by nature draw a great deal of attention because of the size. The present invention is designed to allow companies to “go big” with a multitude of branding and event usage applications. These applications include three-dimensional branding with the ability to attach large inflatables customized to the event and client. For instance a big air ramp could be transformed to look like a mountain. The storage containers can be custom painted and can even become a part of the event with artists creating the design on site during the event. The art style can be incorporated with traditional scrim to fully skin the entire ramp structure. The under carriage of a large ramp can create a complete weather-protected indoor/outdoor venue that can be incorporated into the event with a VIP area and event activation.

FIG. 9-11 show another possible embodiment of an event structure in the form of a rail jam ramp 60. The rail jam ramp 60 comprises eight storage containers. First and second storage containers 62, 64 are disposed on the ground at the rear of the ramp 60 and arranged end-to-end. Third and fourth storage containers 66, 68 stacked on top of the first and second storage containers 62, 64, respectively. Fifth and sixth storage containers 70, 72 are disposed on the ground and spaced forward of the first and second storage containers 62, 64 near the center of the ramp 60. Seventh and eight storage containers 74, 76 are disposed on the ground and slightly forward of the fifth and sixth storage containers 70, 72. The eight containers are all arranged parallel to one another with their lengths extending across the width of ramp 60.

The rail jam ramp 60 further includes a truss system having a first crossbeam 78 mounted to the first and second storage containers 62, 64 along their front upper edges and a second crossbeam 80 mounted to the fifth and sixth storage containers 70, 72 along their rear upper edges. The crossbeams can be mounted in the same manner as the crossbeams of the first embodiment described above.

The truss system further includes a set of lower truss beams 82 arranged horizontally and extending longitudinally between the first and second crossbeams 78, 80. The lower truss beams 82 are spaced apart across the width of the ramp 60, and the number of beams used depends on various factors including the width of the ramp 60 and the load that needs to be supported.

A third crossbeam 84 is mounted to the seventh and eight storage containers 74, 76 along their front lower edges, and a fourth crossbeam 86 is located a distance forward of the third crossbeam 84 and is disposed on the ground. Another set of lower truss beams 82 extend longitudinally between the third and fourth crossbeams 84, 86. These lower truss beams 82 are also positioned horizontally and are spaced apart across the width of the ramp 60. The lower truss beams 82 of both sets, as well as the crossbeams, can comprise single beams or multiple beam segments joined together in an end-to-end manner by any suitable connector.

The truss system further includes a fifth crossbeam 88 mounted to the third and fourth storage containers 66, 68 along their front upper edges, a sixth crossbeam 90 mounted to the seventh and eight storage containers 74, 76 along their rear upper edges, and a seventh crossbeam 92 mounted to the seventh and eight storage containers 74, 76 along their front upper edges. A set of upper truss beams 94 extend longitudinally along the ramp 60 and are spaced apart across the width of the ramp 60. As with the lower truss beams, the number of upper truss beams 94 depends on pertinent engineering factors. Like the lower truss beams 82, the upper truss beams 94 can also comprise multiple beam segments joined together end-to-end with any suitable connector means.

Each of these upper truss beams 94 is attached at a first end to the fifth crossbeam 88, at an intermediate point to the sixth crossbeam 90, and at another point to the seventh crossbeam 92. Some of the upper truss beams 94 terminate at the seventh crossbeam 92. Some of the other upper truss beams 94 extend further and are supported on the ground in the vicinity of the fourth crossbeam 86. In the illustrated embodiment, the upper truss beams 94 are curved near the tops of the third and fourth storage containers 66, 68 and near the tops of the seventh and eight storage containers 74, 76. A number of truss struts 96 are provided to extend between the lower truss beams 82 and the upper truss beams 94 to provide the structural framework to the truss system. Each strut 96 is attached at a first end to one of the lower truss beams 82 and at a second end to one of the upper truss beams 94. Each pair of adjacent struts 96 is arranged in a triangular configuration.

The rail jam ramp 60 includes decking mounted on top of the upper truss beams 94 to define a ramp surface 98 that is generally inclined with respect to the ground. Because of the curvature of the upper truss beams 94, the ramp surface 98 is a contoured, non-planar surface. In this embodiment, the ramp surface 98 has convex curvatures, but the upper truss beams could also be configured to provide concave curvatures, such as would be used in a half pipe ramp. As with the first embodiment, the decking can comprise a number of planks 100 secured to the upper truss beams 94 using any suitable fastener means. In the illustrated embodiment, the ramp surface 98 has a first sloped portion that extends from the top to the middle of the ramp 60. This first sloped portion extends across the entire width of the ramp 60. The ramp surface 98 defines a second sloped portion that extends from the middle of the ramp 60 to the ground. This second sloped portion occupies only a portion of width of the ramp 60. The open area adjacent to the second sloped portion can contain obstacles such as a vehicle 102 that performers can jump over when executing a jump off the first sloped portion. The open area can also contain stairs or other structure (not shown) that performers can incorporate into their stunts.

The upper surfaces of the third and fourth storage containers 66, 68 function as a platform 104 at the top of the ramp surface 98. Ladders or stairs (not shown) can be provided to provide participants with access to the platform 104. Guardrails 106 can be provided around the platform 104.

FIG. 12 shows another possible embodiment of an event structure in the form of a bleacher system 110. The bleacher system 110 includes a first storage container 112 disposed on the ground and a second storage container 114 stacked on top of the first storage container 112. The bleacher system 110 further includes a truss system having a first crossbeam 116 mounted to the first storage container 112 along its front lower edge, a second crossbeam 118 mounted to the second storage container 114 along its front upper edge, and a third crossbeam 120 located a distance forward of the first crossbeam 116 and is disposed on the ground. As in the previously described embodiments, the three crossbeams are preferably, although not necessarily, L-shaped members. The first crossbeam 116 is connected to the first storage container 112 via connectors 122 that are fixedly fastened to the first crossbeam 116 and securely engaged into the corresponding corner fittings of the first storage container 112. The second crossbeam 118 similarly connected to the second storage container 114.

The truss system further includes a set of lower truss beams 124 arranged horizontally and extending between the first and third crossbeams 116, 120. The lower truss beams 124 are spaced apart across the width of the bleacher system 110, and the number of beams used depends on various factors including the width of the bleacher system 110 and the load that needs to be supported. The lower truss beams 124 can be attached to the crossbeams 116, 120 using clevis brackets 126 that surround the beams 116, 120 and engage mounting flanges 128 formed on the crossbeams 116, 120.

A set of upper truss beams 130 is also provided. As with the lower truss beams, the number of upper truss beams 130 depends on pertinent engineering factors. The lower and upper truss beams 124, 130 can comprise single beams or multiple beam segments joined together in an end-to-end manner by any suitable connector. Each of the upper truss beams 130 is attached at a point near a first end to the second crossbeam 118 and at a point near the second end to the lower truss beams 124 in the vicinity of the second crossbeam 118. The upper truss beams 130 are thus inclined with respect to the ground and the lower truss beams 124. A number of truss struts 132 are provided to extend between the lower truss beams 124 and the upper truss beams 130 to provide the structural framework to the truss system.

The truss system supports a functional component, which is a seating system comprising multiple rows of bleacher seats 134 mounted on the upper truss beams 130. The bleacher seats 134 can comprise planks or boards made of any suitable material and are mounted horizontally on the inclined upper truss beams 130 so that each row is stepped with respect to the other rows. Other types of seating systems, such as stadium seating, could be provided instead of the bleacher seats. The upper surface of the second storage container 114 functions as a platform 136 at the top of the bleacher system 110. Guardrails 138 can be provided along both sides of the bleacher seats 134 and around the platform 136.

While three possible embodiments are described above by way of example, it should be noted that the present invention could include event structures having a wide variety of configurations. Other possible configurations include, but are not limited to, half pipes, quarter pipes, vert ramps, gap jumps, big air jumps, water slides, and all types of ramps used in sledding, biking, skateboarding, snowboarding and skiing events. The present invention can also be configured to create skybox and/or stadium seating systems, entertainment stages, video wall systems, climbing wall systems, production rooms, cafes, concession stands, covered event spaces, and mobile event villages.

While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it should be noted that various modifications thereto can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

1. An event structure that comprises at least one storage container as a principal support component.
 2. The event structure of claim 1 further comprising a functional component mounted on said storage container.
 3. The event structure of claim 2 wherein said functional component is a ramp surface.
 4. The event structure of claim 2 wherein said functional component is a seating system.
 5. An event structure comprising: a plurality of storage containers; and a functional component supported by said storage containers.
 6. The event structure of claim 5 wherein said functional component is a ramp surface.
 7. The event structure of claim 5 wherein said functional component is a seating system.
 8. The event structure of claim 5 further comprising a truss system connecting said storage containers, said functional component being attached to said truss system.
 9. The event structure of claim 8 wherein said truss system is connected to a least one of said storage containers via a connector fixed to said truss system, said connector being designed to releasably lock into a corner fitting of a storage container.
 10. The event structure of claim 8 wherein said functional component is decking that defines a ramp surface.
 11. The event structure of claim 10 wherein said ramp surface is planar.
 12. The event structure of claim 10 wherein said ramp surface is contoured.
 13. The event structure of claim 10 wherein said decking comprises a number of planks arranged in a side-by-side manner.
 14. The event structure of claim 10 wherein said truss system comprises lower truss beams and upper truss beams, said decking being attached to said upper truss beams.
 15. The event structure of claim 14 wherein said upper truss beams are curved.
 16. The event structure of claim 8 wherein said truss system comprises lower truss beams and upper truss beams, said functional component is a seating system attached to said upper truss beams.
 17. A method of erecting an event structure, said method comprising: providing one or more storage containers; and mounting a functional component on said one or more storage containers.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein said functional component is a ramp surface.
 19. The method of claim 17 wherein said functional component is a seating system.
 20. The method of claim 17 further comprising using at least one of said storage containers as an operations room. 